stretching in the shower?

[imr1212]

so the best time to stretch is usually after a short warm up, whether by running or other types of excercise. What about stretching in the shower? doesn't the hot water "warm up" your hamstrings and allow you to stretch more efficiently? thanks

[alsey]

never tried that, usually because there's not enough room in the shower. it might work, but ideally you want to warm up by using the muscles and getting the blood flowing, then stretching them. i usually do a load of squat jumps and push ups and stuff before stretching.

[Coco]

Haha! I wouldn't reccomend streching on the shower, because 1) You might slip, 2) Most showers aren't big enough and 3) You'll prolly feel akward as you are completely naked! (Or at least I would).

What you COULD do is take a hot shower to warm your body up, do what you gotta do, dry up and THEN, while your body is still warm (and you are not naked, or in danger of slipping anymore) stretch outside the shower

[atalaya]

i have tried this actually. The problem becomes "how long can you hold your breath?" for me, the longest is a little under three minutes -and i swim regularly. however, there is nothing wrong with changing up your stretching routine every once in a while. (also try partner assisted stretching!)

[parkerlineage]

also try partner assisted stretching!

WHILE IN THE SHOWER?!?!

I follow your logic, imr1212, but space and slipping may be issues. Dunno, though - perhaps it's worth a try.

[bushido_man96]

I kind of agree with everyone here. May not be a good idea. If it was that easy, could you just stretch after being outside on a hot day? Not sure about that either.

[Jiffy]

The term "Warm" is used for the sake of convenience. It doesn't actually dictate the temperature of the muscle. The best time to stretch is after excersize because the muscles are fully oxygenated due to the increased blood flow and they are also supple due to the breakdown that occurs during excersize.

The muscles are indeed more supple with the heat from a hot shower, but you will not also have the added benefits of excersize listed above.

[jaymac]

All I can imagine is me trying to stretch in the shower and then falling out naked and taking the shower curtain with me.

[Sohan]

I sing in the shower, but stretching???

Um. No.

With respect,

Sohan

[ninjanurse]

The term "Warm" is used for the sake of convenience. It doesn't actually dictate the temperature of the muscle. The best time to stretch is after excersize because the muscles are fully oxygenated due to the increased blood flow and they are also supple due to the breakdown that occurs during excersize.

The muscles are indeed more supple with the heat from a hot shower, but you will not also have the added benefits of excersize listed above.

Be careful that you cool down before stretching though as muscle fibers remain "excitable" for a few minutes and can contract forcefully when you stretch causing them to tear. This is escpecially true for runners.